Abstract This essay discusses avian flu and the role of the lawyer in the event of an outbreak. The paper first discusses background to the avian flu and the concern of health care workers. The paper then discusses the pattern of the flu pandemic and the role of the lawyer in such a crisis, if it were to take place.
From the Paper "In an article entitled 'The Avian Flu Time Bomb', author Kristin Choo speculated that the legal system will play a pivotal role in preventing and responding to a possible outbreak of this deadly strain of influenza as they have in past public health crisis situations. With this new and scary health threat potentially looming over the horizon, many feel that lawyers will be called into action again to protect the health and safety of our communities while also serving to ensure the rights of those affected by the Avian Flu. They may be called upon to take part in the planning of responses to the Avian Flu such as vaccinations, quarantines, isolation, as well as other measures which may need to be taken. Throughout this paper I will discuss what the Avian flu is and why it is posing such a health scare to medical experts. "
Abstract This paper argues that there is a very real potential for an avian influenza pandemic in the future, yet there remains an insufficient amount of effective vaccine to address the current incarnation of the H5N1 virus. The author suggests, based on this research, that it is useful to develop a broad-based assessment of the realities involved in a potential pandemic in order to provide meaningful and timely responses. The research presented in the paper was examined from biological, psychological and economic sources. The author concludes that it is incumbent on public health officials around the world today to alert their citizenry to the potential for such an outbreak and to take whatever precautions are necessary today to preclude such a disaster.
Outline:
Introduction
Explanation of the Problem
Justification for Using an Interdisciplinary Approach
Identification of Relevant Disciplines
Respective Viewpoints of Relevant Disciplines
Biology
Psychology
Economics
Methodology
Purpose of the Study
Background
General History of the Problem
Disciplines, Perspectives, Evidence, Insights
Logic,
Reasons for Order of Presentation of Disciplines Used
Biological Perspective
Psychological Perspective
Economic Perspective
Integration of the Three Disciplines
Conflicts within a Discipline
Creation of Common Ground with the Disciplines
Integration of Insights
Techniques of Integration Used
Development of New Understanding or Meaning
Conclusion
Table 1: Techniques of Integration Used
From the Paper "By the end of 2005, the epidemic of avian influenza had resulted in human cases of the disease in Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Thailand, Turkey, and Vietnam. Vietnam was the worst hit, with 93 cases. Of those, 42 died; citing statistics from the World Health Organization, Ford reports that the total number of cases by the end of 2005 was more than 140, with approximately half of these resulting in death (2006). Although sustained communicability of the H5N1 virus from person to person has not been observed, health officials remain cognizant that the H5N1 virus has the potential to mutate rapidly or even combine genetically with a human influenza virus to yield a virulent new strain that could easily spread throughout the global human population (Ford, 2006). "
Abstract This paper considers the marketing ramifications of the recent outbreak of avian flu in Asia, including consequences for exporting birds to Asia, exporting birds from Asia, and tourism. It discusses how to eradicate the disease from the bird population.
From the Paper "Although the flu is not considered by many to be a serious illness the disease kills hundreds of thousands around the world each year. Generally flu strains remain a specific species and relatively ..."
Abstract The paper reveals media accounts of the Avian (bird) Flu threat that repeat biomedical and biosocial notions of the disease. It looks at how drug companies compete to produce drug treatments and vaccines, for the future, in activities that will make billions in profits from a pandemic whose scope is not yet realised. The paper focuses on the Toronto medical community's reaction to a perhaps approaching disease and notes that many doctors and nurses do not wish to serve Avian Flu patients. There is also a comparative note on the 1918 Spanish Flu epidemic in Canada, and an in-depth analysis of the rise of Avian flu in humans abroad.
From the Paper "The threat posed by the Avian Flu virus and the possibility of a pandemic, in the coming year, focus on biomedical and biosocial views of illness and health. This paper refers to a number of Toronto media summaries on research to date, and the threat posed by an Avian Flu pandemic, showing a number of foci that seem quite important in terms of how the possible pandemic is discussed. Later, time is given to more 'cultural' responses to the possibility of an Avian Flu pandemic, which should stimulate serious thought on our ideas of entitlement to health, long life, the duties of health professionals, .."
Abstract Avian influenza, which is commonly referred to in the media as bird flu, is a strain of the flu virus that is highly infectious and can be fatal. This paper discusses how the spread of avian flu among wild bird populations concerns health care officials due to the high communicability of the disease and its record of moving from domestic livestock to humans. The paper also discusses how, although viral strain H5N1 has thus far not mutated into a form that is directly communicable among humans and can be passed without an avian host as a carrier, the possibility that this mutation could occur suggests to health care officials that H5N1 could potentially become a global pandemic.
From the Paper "The first documented incidences of H5N1 occurred in 1997 in Asia. The disease was recognized as able to cross the species barrier when handlers of poultry manifested symptoms similar to those in their livestock, which included damage to internal organs and aggressive vomiting, coughing, and physical weakness. Typically, once passed from a bird to a human, H5N1 is extinguished when the afflicted person recovers or succumbs to the disease. Yet there have been cases in which H5N1 has been transmitted from a human to another human, suggesting that the H5N1 virus has the potential to move within humans as well as birds. "
Abstract This paper offers an overview of the problem of avian flu and discusses the history of pandemics, including a brief but comprehensive history of the pandemic of 1918. The paper also describes the current public health policies associated with avian flu and looks at the plans to reduce the spread of the disease with isolation/quarantine policies and medication and vaccination. Also discussed are the policies regarding communication and dissemination of information policies to the public if or when a flu pandemic event is threatened or imminent.
Outline:
Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: Avian Flu History
Chapter 3: Limiting the Spread of a Pandemic
Chapter 4: Conclusion
From the Paper "It is a common understanding among scientists concerned with disease epidemiology, prevention and public safety that pandemics in recorded human history are linked in some way to avian flu viruses and outbreaks. This understanding is based upon reconstructions of historical events associated with the detection, spread, onset and outcome of pandemics in the past. Transmission of viruses between birds and humans is not usually direct but occurs through secondary sources, though with H5N1, transmission form bird to human is possible and likely, which explains and validates the current response of the slaughtering and burning flocks of poultry that are known to be infected. (Miller, 2006, p. 79) What is believed is that avian viruses infect swine and or other animals concurrently with human viruses and then the avian virus mutates to become a virus that can be contracted by humans. (Oldstone, 2000, p. 183-184)"
Abstract This paper discusses avian influenza, otherwise known as bird flu. According to the paper, bird flu is a naturally-occurring infection caused by avian influenza viruses. It travels in the intestines of wild birds, having little impact on these animals, though the transferal of the same virus to a domestic bird can have harmful consequences. The spread of the virus typically occurs via the saliva, feces and nasal passages of an infected animal; birds become infected when they come into contact with infected secretions or surfaces contaminated by such secretions. Commonly, the spread of the infection occurs when birds come into contact with materials such as dirt, cages, water or feed that have been contaminated with the virus.
Abstract This paper discusses avian influenza or bird flu, which is the alternate common name for the H5N1 virus. The paper gives a brief history of the disease and describes how it is spread between animals and then focuses on how humans are infected and how it spreads between humans. The paper then discusses precautions and preventative methods for the spread of the disease.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Define Avian Influenza
History
How it's Spread
How Humans are Infected
The Risk Factors
Treatment
World Wide Preparedness
Precautions and Predictions
Conclusion
From the Paper "To set a roadblock towards a catastrophic human outbreak of bird flu there is a way out and it is the usage of a harmless virus to act as a delivery vehicle. (Linda, 57) The amantadine and rimantadine are two antiviral medications which are commonly used for influenza and for which the H5N1 virus, that causes human illness and death, could be resistant. There are other two antiviral medications known as oseltamavir and zanamavir which could possibly treat influenza caused by H5N1 virus. However, there is a necessity for additional studies to prove and demonstrate their effectiveness. And it is to be noted that for the protection against H5N1 virus there is no commercially available vaccine in Asia and Europe. (Key Facts about Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) and Avian Influenza A (H5N1) Virus)"
Abstract This paper presents an examination of avian flu (commonly known as "bird flu"). The writer explores the facts and myths surrounding the flu. It then compares it to past pandemics, such as the Spanish Flu pandemic, that have become a reality and killed large numbers of people. The paper discusses what may be expected if the avian flu does become a pandemic.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
The Flu
Why the Concern
If It Happens
Conclusion
From the Paper "According to experts the basis for the concern is the fact that like the Spanish Flu pandemic the Avian Flu, if it mutates will present a flu virus to the system that humans have never before experienced. As people age they build immunities and those immunities help their systems fight additional illnesses that they are exposed to or contract. With the Avian Flu the strain of viral infection is one that has never before in recorded history been introduced to the human body and that makes it extremely deadly.
If the flu does become a pandemic it is estimated that it will kill more than 50 million people world wide and more than half a million in the US. Even more concerning is the belief by experts that at least 250,000 of those killed in the United States will be young healthy adult Americans (Daugherty, 2005)."
"With most flues the only real danger is to the elderly, the infants or those who have chronic health issues such as asthma, diabetes or other medical problems. With the Avian flu it will most likely attack and kill many people who have no health issues which makes precautions important to everyone, not just the weak or immune compromised."
Abstract Avian influenza is a disease that humans are becoming exposed to through contact, either directly or indirectly, with infected poultry or fowl. This paper explores the history of the flu, as well as what is being done to combat this infectious and deadly disease.
From the Paper "Avian Influenza, also known as Avian flu or "bird flu" is "an infectious disease of birds caused by type A strains of the influenza virus" according to the World Health Organization. Identified over 100 years ago in Italy it has now spread throughout the entire globe. The immune systems of some bird species are more resistant to this disease than other although it is believed that all species are susceptible to becoming infected with the disease. The flu ranges "from mild illness to a highly contagious and rapidly fatal disease results in severe epidemics." "
Abstract This article discusses the issue of Avian flu across Asia. It explains that in countries such as Vietnam, Indonesia and Japan there have been policies that require officials to slaughter foul at businesses that have indications of the disease. The paper explores the problems that this has created with farmers who loose their birds and are not appropriately compensated for their flocks. It claims that Government officials are, therefore, attempting to discover ways to meet these needs.
From the Paper "This article discusses the issue of Avian flu across Asia. In countries such as Vietnam, Indonesia, and Japan there have been policies that require officials to slaughter foul at businesses that have indications of the disease. This has created problems with farmers who loose their birds and are not appropriately compensated for their flocks. Government officials are, therefore, attempting to discover ways to meet these needs. The Kashmir Earthquake No Author Listed Washington Post October 12, 2005 Summary: This article discusses the Kashmir earthquake. The death toll, according to the report, continues to climb daily, making the disaster significantly more devastating than any other in recent years. In addition to the death toll, there are over two million that ..."
Abstract This paper introduces, discusses and analyzes the topic of nursing and an impending pandemic. Specifically it refers to avian influenza (bird flu) and the impact of a pandemic on nursing practice, present and future, along with the nursing role in influencing the issue.
From the Paper "One of the problems with diagnosing avian flu are the signs and symptoms, because they so closely resemble the signs of other flu strains or the common cold. Typical symptoms include fever, muscle pain, headache, malaise, nonproductive cough, sore throat, and runny nose. Symptoms such as these should be taken seriously if they are diagnosed, especially in anyone who regularly has contact with poultry or other birds. Another problem with diagnosis is that the disease can incubate in the victim for up to four days, making it difficult to determine just when and where the infection occurred. Victims can also infect others even after symptoms of the disease disappear, which is another problem with diagnosis and prevention. The disease is most deadly to senior citizens over 65, young children, and individuals with underlying health problems, such as breathing difficulties or heart conditions. Symptoms usually dissipate in seven days, but the cough can last in many individuals for two weeks or more. Currently, influenza deaths in the United States average about 36,000 per year ("Avian," 2006.) Since there have not been any cases of the virus in birds in the United States, many people might ignore the symptoms if they occur, but with world travel so easy and quick today, infection could easily come from travelers returning from a trip to Asia or the Middle East. Thus, healthcare professionals should always be aware and on the lookout for these symptoms in any of their patients. "
Abstract Using the Frankfurt approach to media, and referring to the uses and gratifications model, this paper takes a critical look at the avian flu story in terms of the use of images and text. The paper suggests that the media is being used to reduce the risk of public panic and encourage a specific public action. For the purpose of this discussion, a current breaking news story published on the front page of the November 21, 2005 issue of The Globe and Mail, covering the recent discovery of a non-lethal variant of the avian flu found in Chilliwack, B.C.
From the Paper "As Canada braces for our next health disaster, as reported in news media, it is timely to review the media's use of symbols to determine their meaning in the context of the culture of fear in which we now live. This exploration may provide an insight into health related issues as they are reported in terms of their treatment and subsequent reading by the public. Using the Frankfurt approach to media, and referring to the uses and gratifications model, this paper will take a critical look at the avian flu story in terms the use of images and text, to suggest that media is being used to reduce the risk of public panic and encourage a specific public action."
Abstract This paper presents a number of critical issues pertinent to southeast Asia that have the potential of greatly influencing other parts of the world. The paper discusses the disturbing growth of the "Al-Qaeda" terrorist organization in this region, illustrating its links to local Islamic radicals. The avian flu virus is examined in the paper, highlighting the potential it has for a human health disaster. The paper also outlines the December 2004 tsunami that devastated parts of southeast Asia.
From the Paper "One disturbing element in Southeast Asia is the growth of al Qaeda there during the past decade and its link with local radical Islamists (Palmer Pp). The organization has developed strong roots in Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, and Indonesia with Indonesian agents working in close partnership with al Qaeda in promoting terrorism in the region (Palmer Pp). According to Ronald Palmer the "Jemaah Islamiya goal of establishing an Islamic state encompassing Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Southern Philippines is only in its early stages and has been stymied for the time being," however, it appears that the al Qaeda cells which have thus far been discovered may only be the "tip of a terrorist iceberg of unknown dimensions" (Palmer Pp). Local governments face severe challenges to maintain security, requiring a "policy framework much larger than merely fighting terrorism" (Palmer Pp). The Regional Forum on Security was established with its main function being to promote stabilization processes (Security Pp). Any changes and transformations in the countries of the region, "must be effected on the basis of the law," therefore, it is necessary to define, for example, exactly what the term terrorist means and who can be regarded as "a fighter for freedom" (Security Pp)."
Abstract The paper examines the etiology, origins, methods of transmission, symptoms, treatment, epidemiology and other effects of the H5N1 virus on the human population. The paper shows how it is important to continue to monitor the spread of H5N1 so that we can react as quickly as possible should it threaten to become the world's next pandemic.
From the Paper "To understand the impact of the H5N1 strain, it is important to understand how this strain relates to other viruses and influenza strains. The H5N1 virus is a subtype of influenza consisting of 16 different antigens (H1 to H16) (CIDRAP, 2008). There are also nine different NA antigens (N1 to N9) (CIDRAP, 2008). Influenza strains are classified according to their potential to produce a pandemic in the human population. Three types of strains exist, nonpandemic strains, potential pandemic strains, and animal pandemic strains. Currently, the H5 and H7 strains are of greatest concern to the human population as they can readily transmit throughout the human population (CIDRAP, 2008)."
